The Grand Opera and Ballet Theater of Belarus is the only opera theater and the largest theater in the country. The theater building has the status of an architectural monument of national importance.

The Opera and Ballet Theater in Minsk was opened on May 25, 1933. In the first years of its existence, the opera troupe did not have its own building and shows were held on the stage of the Belarusian Drama Theater. The building of the Opera and Ballet Theater was laid on July 11, 1933. The construction was completed in 1938. It was built in the style of pre-war constructivism, designed by the famous architect Iosif Lanhbard.

During the Second World War, German occupants removed scenery, furniture, musical instruments and a music library from the theater. The theater building itself was badly damaged – an air bomb hit it.

The theater was restored in 1947. The first opera, which was staged in the reconstructed building, was “Kastuś Kalinoŭski” by Dzmitryj Lukas.

In 1940, the theater received the title of "Big", and in 1964 it became "academic".

In independent Belarus, the second major reconstruction of the theater building took place. As a result, the theater was returned to its original form according to the design of Iosif Lanhbard. Restoration work began in 2006, lasted three years, and on March 8, 2009 the theater reopened the doors for spectators.

Publication date: 10.02.2020.

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